[0002] The present disclosure relates to vacuums and more particularly to a wet/dry vacuum
having multiple operating modes.
[0003] Wet/dry vacuums may be used to collect solid materials such as dirt, debris etc.,
as well as liquids, such as water etc. In some examples, a hose may be connected on
a first end to an inlet port on a collection tub. A motor may be disposed within or
about the vacuum that is operable to drive an impellor. Rotation of the impellor may
create a vacuum pressure to siphon or otherwise urge the solid and/or liquid material
through the hose and into the collection tub. In some examples, the hose may be connected
at an opposite end to a hand held tube or accessory. During use, an operator may manually
move the hand held tube or accessory onto or near the solid and/or liquid to be vacuumed.
[0004] A vacuum can include a housing having an inlet adapted to receive debris being vacuumed.
A mounting bar can be fixedly coupled to the housing. A floor collector assembly can
be rotatably disposed about a first axis defined by the mounting bar. The floor collector
assembly can include a first debris-passing member coupled to the mounting bar, a
second debris-passing member rotatably coupled to the first debris-passing member
and a third debris-passing member removably coupled to the second debris-passing member.
The first debris-passing member can define an opening. The floor collector assembly
can be operable in a plurality of modes. The modes can include a first mode, a second
mode and a third mode. In the first mode, the opening can be substantially perpendicular
relative to a vacuumed surface. In the second mode, the second debris-passing member
can be rotated relative to the first debris-passing member about a second axis such
that the opening is at an acute angle relative to the vacuumed surface. In the third
mode, the third debris-passing member is coupled to the second debris-passing member
wherein a passage defined through the third debris-passing member is substantially
parallel to the vacuumed surface.
[0005] According to other features, the first axis can intersect the second axis. One of
the first or second debris-passing members can define a collar. The other of the first
or second debris-passing members can define a bore. The collar can rotate within the
bore about the second axis during rotation of the second debris-passing member relative
to the first debris-passing member.
[0006] According to still other features, one of the first or second debris-passing members
can define a hub. The other of the first or second debris-passing member has a pair
of fingers that define a notch. The hub can positively nest in the notch in a first
position at any of the operating modes. The hub can ramp out of the notch over one
of the fingers upon sufficient force during movement of the second debris-passing
member out of the first position. The first debris-passing member can define opposing
clam-shell portions that cooperate to form a first and a second pair of opposing planar
sides. The second debris-passing member can define a back surface and a first pair
of opposing surfaces. One surface of the first pair of opposing surfaces can be larger
than the corresponding opposing surface of the first pair such that the opening defines
an acute angle relative to the back surface. The back surface can oppose the first
debris-passing member.
[0007] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided
herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended
for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0008] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended
to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary wet/dry vacuum constructed in accordance
with the teachings of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a floor collector assembly and mounting
bar of the wet/dry vacuum of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a portion of the vacuum of FIG. 1 including
a floor scoop and connecting duct shown in a first (or sweep) mode of operation;
FIG. 4 is a side view of a portion of the vacuum shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the floor scoop and connecting duct in the first mode
taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is an action sequence illustrating rotation of the floor scoop relative to
the connecting duct;
FIG. 7 is a detail view of a hub disposed on the floor scoop in a nested between cooperating
fingers of the connecting duct in an engaged position;
FIG. 8 is a detail view of the hub of the floor scoop in an unengaged position relative
to cooperating fingers disposed on the connecting duct;
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a portion of the vacuum of FIG. 1 including
a floor scoop and connecting duct shown in a second (or floor nozzle) mode of operation;
FIG. 10 is a side view of a portion of the vacuum shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the floor scoop and connecting duct in the second mode
taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the floor connecting assembly of the vacuum
in FIG. 1 and illustrating a squeegee attachment offset from the floor scoop;
FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a portion of the vacuum of FIG. 1 shown with
the squeegee attachment connected to the floor scoop in a third (or squeegee) mode
of operation;
FIG. 14 is a side view of a portion of the vacuum shown in FIG. 13 (solid line) and
also shown with the floor collector assembly rotated about an axis of the mounting
bar in a storage position (phantom line);
FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the floor collector assembly with the squeegee
attachment coupled to the floor scoop in the third mode; and
FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the floor collector assembly in the third mode taken
along line 16-16 of FIG. 13.
[0009] With initial reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary vacuum constructed in accordance with
the present teachings is shown and generally identified at reference numeral 10. The
vacuum 10 can generally include a housing 12, a cover 14, a motor assembly 16, and
a floor collector assembly 20. The floor collector assembly 20 can be rotatably coupled
to a mounting bar 22 extending from the housing 12. The motor assembly 16 can be disposed
within the housing 12 and/or the cover 14. The motor assembly 16 can include a motor
26 that drives an impeller (fan) 28 through an output shaft 30. The motor 26 can be
powered by an AC source by way of an electrical plug 32. An on/off switch (not shown)
may be provided on the housing 12 or cover 14. An inlet 34 can be defined on the housing
12. An intake port 36 can be integrally formed or otherwise coupled to the housing
12 at the inlet 34. During operation of the vacuum 10, rotation of the impeller 28
can cause suction within the housing 10 for ingesting debris and/or liquid through
the inlet 34. Exhausted air may exit the housing 12 at an outlet port (not specifically
shown).
[0010] The exemplary vacuum 10 can define a cube-like shape having opposing front and rear
sides 40 and 42 connected between opposing connecting sides 44 and 46. A first and
second pair of wheels, 48 and 50, respectively, may be coupled to the vacuum 10 for
rolling the vacuum 10 across a floor. The first pair of wheels 48 (only one shown)
may be fixed for rotation about an axle 54 that defines an axis generally parallel
to the front and rear sides 40 and 42. The second pair of wheels 50 can be caster
wheels that rotate about axles within respective carriers 58. The carriers 58 can
be coupled to the mounting bar 22 for rotation about respective axes 60. Other wheel
configurations may be employed.
[0011] A pair of latches 62 (only one shown) can be disposed on the opposing sides 44 and
46 of the vacuum 10. Description of the exposed latch 62 on the opposing side 44 will
now be described while it is appreciated that the same latch configuration may be
provided on the other opposing side 46. The latch 62 can generally define a mounting
bore 64 on a first end and a curved retaining portion 66 on a second end. The latch
62 can be mounted about a shaft 68 extending in a pocket 70 defined on the opposing
side 44. The latch 62 can rotate about the shaft 68 between a secured position (solid
line, FIG. 1) wherein the curved retaining portion 66 captures a ledge 74 of the cover
14, and an unsecured position (phantom line, FIG. 1). In the unsecured position, the
cover 14 can be lifted (i.e. in a direction upward as viewed in FIG. 1) away from
the housing 12 for accessing the motor assembly 16 and/or emptying the vacuumed contents
from the housing 12. The cover 14 can define a pair of handles 76 formed thereon.
An operator can grasp the handles 76 to move the vacuum 10 as a whole or lift the
cover 14 away from the housing 12.
[0012] With continued reference to FIG. 1 and additional reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the
mounting bar 22 and floor collection assembly 20 will be described in greater detail.
The mounting bar 22 can define a tubular member having a linear central portion 80,
a pair of linear end portions 82, and a pair of curved portions 84 that transition
between the linear central portion 80 and the linear end portions 82. Apertures 86
can be formed through the mounting bar 22 for receiving fasteners (not shown) to couple
to mounting bar 22 to the housing 12.
[0013] The floor collection assembly 20 can include a connecting duct 90 (FIG. 1), a floor
scoop 92, a squeegee adapter 94, and a hose cuff 96 (FIG. 2). The connecting duct
90 can be collectively defined by a first and a second clamshell portion 100 and 102
(FIG. 2), respectively. The first clamshell portion 100 can define a mounting sleeve
104 and a first semi-hemispherical wall portion 106. The mounting sleeve 104 can be
adapted to receive the hose cuff 96. First fingers 110 can be formed on a forward
face 112 of the first clamshell portion 100. A first annular lip 116 can be formed
on the mounting sleeve 104 for cooperatively mating with a second annular lip 118
formed on the hose cuff 96. A first half-cylinder 120 can be defined on the first
clamshell portion 100. A second semi-hemispherical wall portion 122 can be defined
on the second clamshell portion 102. Second fingers 124 can be formed on a forward
face 126 of the second clamshell portion 102.
[0014] The connecting duct 90 can generally define a first and a second pair of opposing
sides 130 and 132, respectively in an assembled position (FIG. 3). A mounting bore
136 can be collectively defined by the first and second semi-hemispherical wall portions
106 and 122. The first and second half-cylinders 120 and 122 can cooperatively define
a mounting cylinder 140 (FIG. 3) for accepting the central portion 80 of the mounting
bar 22 in the assembled position. The connecting duct 90 can be formed of durable
lightweight material such as plastic.
[0015] Returning now to FIG. 2, the floor scoop 92 can generally define a first pair of
opposing surfaces 142 and 144, a second pair of opposing surfaces 146 and 148, a back
surface 150, and a collar 152. An opening 154 is defined collectively by the opposing
surfaces 142, 144, 146, and 148. The back surface 150 and the collar 152 can cooperate
to define a chute 156. The first surface 142 of the first pair of opposing surfaces
142 and 144 can be larger than the second surface 144 of the first pair of opposing
surfaces 142 and 144 such that the opening 154 can define an acute angle β (FIG. 4)
relative to the back surface 150. The first surface 142 can define a first sweep edge
158. The second surface 144 can define a second sweep edge 160. The collar 152 can
be generally cylindrical and extend from the back surface 150. An annular ring 162
can be integrally formed around the collar 152. A pair of tabs 164 can be formed on
the second pair of opposing surfaces 146 and 148, respectively. The back surface 150
can define a pair of hubs 166 (best shown in FIG. 6). The floor scoop 92 can be formed
of durable lightweight material such as plastic.
[0016] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the squeegee adapter 94 can define a bottom surface
170, a forward surface 172 and a pair of side surfaces 174 and 176. A longitudinal
opening 180 can be formed through the bottom surface 170. A plurality of connecting
pins 182 can be formed on the squeegee adapter 94 adjacent to the longitudinal opening
180. In one example, the connecting pins can define Christmas tree retainers although
other configurations or arrangements are contemplated. A blade 184 can define a complementary
plurality of passages 186 for accepting the connecting pins 182 in an installed position
(see also FIG. 16). The blade 184 can define a linear body that substantially corresponds
for accommodation by the longitudinal opening 180. A pair of ears 184 can be formed
on the pair of side surfaces 176 and 178, respectively. A flap 188 can be formed along
the bottom surface 170 of the squeegee adapter 94. The squeegee adapter 94 can be
formed of a durable lightweight material such as plastic while the blade 184 can be
formed of resilient material such as rubber.
[0017] With reference now to all FIGS., the vacuum 10 according to the present teachings
is operable in a plurality of operating modes. More specifically, the floor collector
assembly 20 can be manipulated into multiple shapes and orientations to accommodate
a given task. The various modes can include a first or "sweep mode" (FIGS. 3-5), a
second or "floor nozzle mode" (FIGS. 9-11), and a third or "squeegee mode" (FIGS.
13-16). The vacuum 10 can also operate in a fourth mode wherein a connecting hose
192 coupled between the intake port 36 and the hose cuff 96 of the floor collector
assembly 20 is disconnected from the hose cuff 96 and used as a conventional vacuum
hose. In the fourth mode, the floor collection assembly 20 can be rotated about the
mounting bar 22 to a transportation position (FIG. 1).
[0018] With particular reference now to FIGS. 3-5, operation of the vacuum 10 in the "sweep
mode" will be described in greater detail. In the "sweep mode", the connecting duct
90 is rotated about an axis 200 defined by the mounting bar 22 such that the first
sweep edge 158 slides against or substantially adjacent to a vacuumed surface 202.
The connecting hose 192 can be coupled between the intake port 36 and the hose cuff
96. In this position, the opening 154 of the floor scoop 92 can define an angle α1
relative to the vacuumed surface 202. The angle α1 can be substantially about 90 degrees.
It is appreciated that this angle can be altered by rotating the connecting duct 90
about the mounting bar axis 200. The annular ring 162 (FIG. 5) of the floor scoop
92 can nest within an annular pocket 206 defined inboard of the first and second semi-hemispherical
wall portions 106 on the connecting duct 90. In the "sweep mode," the floor scoop
92, the connecting duct 90 and the connecting hose 192 each act as sequential debris-passing
ducts to direct the vacuumed material into the housing 12.
[0019] With continued reference to FIG. 5 and additional reference to FIGS. 6-8, movement
of the floor scoop 92 relative to the connecting duct 90 will be described. In general,
the collar 152 (FIGS. 2 and 5) can selectively rotate about an axis 210 (FIG. 5) defined
by the mounting bore 136 of the connecting duct 90. During rotation, the annular ring
162 of the floor scoop 92 can ride within the annular pocket 206 of the connecting
duct 90 (FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 7, while in one of the modes (i.e., sweep mode,
floor nozzle mode etc.), the hubs 166 (only one shown) of the floor scoop 92 positively
nest in a locked position within a notch 212 defined between the fingers 110 and 124
of the connecting duct 90. Upon enough rotational force F (FIG. 8) administered by
a user onto the floor scoop 92, the hub 166 can ramp out of the notch 212 over one
of the fingers 110 or 124 into an unlocked position (e.g., for free rotation of the
floor scoop 92 about the axis 210).
[0020] With particular reference now to FIGS. 9-11, operation of the vacuum in the "floor
nozzle mode" will be described in greater detail. In the "floor nozzle mode", the
connecting duct 90 is rotated about the mounting bar 22 (e.g., about the axis 200,
FIG. 10) such that the second sweep edge 160 slides against or substantially adjacent
a vacuumed surface 202. As can be appreciated from the preceding discussion, the floor
scoop 92 can rotate 180 degrees about the axis 210 (FIG. 6) from the "sweep mode"
position to the "floor nozzle mode", and vice-versa. The connecting hose 192 can be
coupled between the intake port 36 (FIG. 1) and the hose cuff 96. In this position,
the opening 154 of the floor scoop 92 can define an angle α2 (FIG. 10) relative to
the vacuumed surface 202. The angle α2 can be an acute angle. In one example, the
angle α2 can be approximately between 25 and 65 degrees. It is appreciated that this
angle can be altered by rotating the connecting duct 90 about the mounting bar axis
200. In the "floor nozzle mode," the floor scoop 92, the connecting duct 90 and the
connecting hose 192 each act as sequential debris-passing ducts to direct the vacuumed
material into the housing 12.
[0021] With particular reference now to FIGS. 12-16, operation of the vacuum 10 in the "squeegee
mode" will be described in greater detail. In the squeegee mode, the squeegee adapter
94 is coupled to the floor scoop 92. More specifically, the flap 188 of the squeegee
adapter 94 can be located against the first wall 144 of the floor scoop 92. As best
illustrated in FIG. 16, a locating ridge 214 defined on the flap 188 can nest within
a groove 216 defined on the wall 144 of the floor scoop 92. The ears 184 of the squeegee
attachment 94 can ramp over the respective tabs 164 of the floor scoop 92 until they
reach a position beyond the ramps 164 (FIG. 13). In the squeegee mode, the bottom
surface 170 can be substantially parallel to the vacuumed surface 202 (FIG. 14). Again,
It is appreciated that this angle can be altered by rotating the connecting duct 90
about the mounting bar axis 200. The blade 184 can extend through the longitudinal
passage 180 for slidably traversing along the vacuumed surface 202. As can be appreciated,
the blade 184 can assist in directing liquid (and/or solid debris) to a position near
the longitudinal passage 180 to be siphoned. In the "squeegee mode", the squeegee
adapter 94, the floor scoop 92, the connecting duct 90 and the connecting hose 192
each act as sequential debris-passing ducts to direct the vacuumed material into the
housing 12.
[0022] While the invention has been described in the specification and illustrated in the
drawings with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled
in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for
elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements and/or functions
between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary
skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements and/or
functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate,
unless described otherwise above. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt
a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing
from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not
be limited to the particular embodiment illustrated by the drawings and described
in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out this
invention, but that the invention will include any embodiments falling within the
foregoing description and the appended claims.
1. A vacuum comprising:
a housing having an inlet adapted to receive debris being vacuumed;
a mounting member fixedly coupled to the housing;
a floor collector assembly rotatably disposed about a first axis defined by the mounting
member, the floor collector assembly including a connecting duct and a floor scoop
that defines an opening; and
wherein the floor scoop rotates relative to the connecting duct about a second axis
between a first position and a second position, wherein the opening is at a first
orientation relative to a vacuumed surface in the first position and at a second orientation
relative to the vacuumed surface in the second position, wherein the first orientation
is distinct from the second orientation and wherein the first axis intersects the
second axis.
2. The vacuum of claim 1 wherein the opening defines a plane that is substantially perpendicular
to the vacuumed surface in the first position and defines an acute angle relative
to the vacuumed surface in the second position.
3. The vacuum of claim 1 wherein the mounting member comprises a tubular bar and wherein
the floor collector assembly is rotatable about the tubular bar into a storage position
wherein the floor collector assembly is offset from a ground surface.
4. The vacuum of claim 1 wherein one of the floor scoop or the connecting duct defines
a collar and the other of the floor scoop or the connecting duct defines a bore, wherein
the collar rotates within the bore about the second axis during rotation of the floor
scoop between the first position and the second position.
5. The vacuum of claim 4 wherein one of the floor scoop or the connecting duct defines
a hub and the other of the floor scoop or the connecting duct has a pair of fingers
that define a notch, wherein the hub positively nests in the notch in the first and
second positions and wherein the hub ramps out of the notch over one of the fingers
upon sufficient force during movement of the floor scoop from the first or second
positions.
6. The vacuum of claim 2, further comprising an attachment selectively coupled to the
floor scoop in an installed position, the attachment defining a longitudinal passage
that defines a substantially smaller area than the opening, wherein the longitudinal
passage defines a plane that is substantially parallel to the vacuumed surface in
the installed position.
7. The vacuum of claim 6 wherein the attachment includes a blade that extends through
the longitudinal passage and is adapted to slidably traverse along the vacuumed surface.
8. A vacuum comprising:
a housing having an inlet adapted to receive debris being vacuumed;
a mounting bar fixedly coupled to the housing;
a floor collector assembly rotatably disposed about a first axis defined by the mounting
bar, the floor collector assembly including a first debris-passing member coupled
to the mounting bar, a second debris-passing member rotatably coupled to the first
debris-passing member and defining an opening, and a third debris-passing member removably
coupled to the second debris-passing member; and
wherein the floor collector assembly is operable in a plurality of modes comprising:
a first mode wherein the opening is substantially perpendicular relative to a vacuumed
surface;
a second mode wherein the second debris-passing member is rotated relative to the
first debris-passing member about a second axis such that the opening is at an acute
angle relative to the vacuumed surface; and
a third mode wherein the third debris-passing member is coupled to the second debris-passing
member wherein a passage defined through the third debris-passing member is substantially
parallel to the vacuumed surface.
9. The vacuum of claim 8 wherein the first axis intersects the second axis.
10. The vacuum of claim 9 wherein the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the
second axis.
11. The vacuum of claim 8 wherein one of the first or second debris-passing members defines
a collar and the other of the first or second debris-passing members defines a bore,
wherein the collar rotates within the bore about the second axis during rotation of
the second debris-passing member relative to the first debris-passing member.
12. The vacuum of claim 11 wherein one of the first or second debris-passing members defines
a hub and the other of the first or second debris-passing members has a pair of fingers
that define a notch, wherein the hub positively nests in the notch in a first position
at the first mode and wherein the hub ramps out of the notch over one of the fingers
upon sufficient force during movement of the second debris-passing member out of the
first position.
13. The vacuum of claim 8 wherein the first debris-passing member defines opposing clam-shell
portions that cooperate to form a first and a second pair of opposing planar sides.
14. The vacuum of claim 13 wherein the second debris-passing member defines a back surface
and a first pair of opposing surfaces, wherein one surface of the first pair of opposing
surfaces is larger than the corresponding opposing surface of the first pair such
that the opening defines an acute angle relative to the back surface.
15. The vacuum of claim 14 wherein the back surface opposes the first debris-passing member.
16. A vacuum comprising:
a housing having an inlet adapted to receive debris being vacuumed;
a mounting bar coupled to the housing;
a floor collector assembly rotatably disposed about a first axis defined by the mounting
bar, the floor collector assembly including a first debris-passing member coupled
to the mounting bar, a second debris-passing member rotatably coupled to the first
debris-passing member and defining an opening, and a third debris-passing member removably
coupled to the second debris-passing member; and
wherein the floor collector assembly is operable in a plurality of modes comprising:
a first mode wherein the opening is at a first orientation relative to a vacuumed
surface;
a second mode wherein the second debris-passing member is rotated relative to the
first debris-passing member about a second axis such that the opening is at a second
orientation relative to the vacuumed surface; and
a third mode wherein the third debris-passing member is coupled to the second debris-passing
member at the second orientation wherein a passage defined through the third debris-passing
member is substantially parallel to the vacuumed surface.
17. The vacuum of claim 16 wherein the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the
second axis.
18. The vacuum of claim 16 wherein one of the first or second debris-passing members defines
a collar and the other of the first or second debris-passing members defines a bore,
wherein the collar rotates within the bore about the second axis during rotation of
the second debris-passing member relative to the first debris-passing member.
19. The vacuum of claim 16 wherein one of the first or second debris-passing members defines
a hub and the other of the first or second debris-passing members has a pair of fingers
that define a notch, wherein the hub positively nests in the notch in a first position
at the first mode and wherein the hub ramps out of the notch over one of the fingers
upon sufficient force during movement of the second debris-passing member out of the
first position.
20. The vacuum of claim 16 wherein the first debris passing member defines opposing claim-shell
portions that cooperate to form a first and a second pair of opposing planar sides.
21. The vacuum of claim 20 wherein the second debris-passing member defines a back surface
and a first pair of opposing surfaces, wherein one surface of the first pair of opposing
surfaces is larger than the corresponding opposing surface of the first pair such
that the opening defines an acute angle relative to the back surface.
22. The vacuum of claim 21 wherein the back surface opposes the first debris-passing member.
23. A vacuum comprising:
a housing having an inlet adapted to receive debris being vacuumed;
a mounting bar fixedly coupled to the housing;
a floor collector assembly rotatably disposed about a first axis defined by the mounting
bar, the floor collector assembly including a first debris-passing member coupled
to the mounting bar, a second debris-passing member rotatably coupled to the first
debris-passing member and having a substantially rectangular footprint defining an
opening, and a third debris-passing member removably coupled to the second debris-passing
member; and
wherein the floor collector assembly is operable in a plurality of modes comprising:
a first mode wherein the opening is substantially perpendicular relative to a vacuumed
surface;
a second mode wherein the second debris-passing member is rotated relative to the
first debris-passing member about a second axis defined by a cooperating collar and
bore formed on the first and second debris-passing members, respectively, such that
the opening is at an acute angle relative to the vacuumed surface, the second axis
being substantially perpendicular to the first axis; and
a third mode wherein the third debris-passing member is coupled to the second debris-passing
member wherein a passage defined through the third debris-passing member is substantially
parallel to the vacuumed surface.